Manners Pimblett have been providing high quality
legal services to the local community for many years
now. We approach wills and probate with the same
dedication and attention to detail as all our other
legal services, offering a bespoke, personal service.
We provide a range services, including;

• Making a Will
• Probate and Estate Administration
• Lasting Powers of Attorney and
Court of Protection Applications
• Trusts and Tax Planning
• Nursing Home Costs

Trust us at Manners Pimblett with all
your wills and probate requirements.

For peace of mind simply call us on
0845 077 0772 or email us via our
website www.mannerspimblett.co.uk

THE COMMON
S

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

December 2012

| 03

Are you a Wise Owl or a Head-Burying Ostrich
when it comes to that d-word?

IF you're an Ostrich, you prefer not
to think about the inevitable. Being an
Ostrich means trusting the fortunes of
your loved ones to chance, once you've
gone, and having no control over what
happens to your possessions and who
should benefit from them.

TO an ostrich, death is a five-letter word and a
load of stigma.
IF, however, you're a wise owl, you take the
time to think, question, and act in order to
write a will, and take steps to protect your
loved ones, when you're gone.

by law as to who inherits what, decisions you
should have really made by writing a Will.
AS to when you should write a Will, the
answer is NOW. There may be plenty of life
in you yet, but accidents and illness have
absolutely no respect for age. Also, bear in
mind that a modern Will is written in such
a way that it shouldn't need much changing,
so it's not something you have to think about
often, but only in the event of a major change
in circumstances, such as marriage, birth of a
first child or divorce.
SO, why do many people put off the task of
writing a Will?

WHY BOTHER MAKING A WILL? MY
FAMILY WILL GET EVERYTHING
WHEN I DIE! WON'T THEY?

EXCUSES: there are many excuses for
putting off writing a Will. Here are the most
common ones:

WRITING a Will may be something you've
been thinking about for many years. The
reasons for having a Will are many, but, if for
no other reason, a Will makes life a lot easier
for those you leave behind at a time of sorrow.
If you die without a Will (Intestate), your
family has to sort out many administrative
items and are obliged to the decisions made

1. "WRITING A WILL IS TEMPTING
FATE": One in three adults in Britain have
already written a Will - so, if writing one has
fatal results, the population would soon be
reduced by 18 million people! In fact, the
British annual death-rate is surprisingly stable
and definitely bears no relation to the number
of people who write Wills.
2. "I'VE GOT
NOTHING TO
LEAVE": Everybody
leaves something. It
may not be much, but,
surely, that's even more
reason to make sure
it goes to those you
care about? Also, it is
not just making sure
your worldly goods
go to the right people.
As mentioned, a Will
can mean a lot less
inconvenience for those
left to sort things out.
3. "I JUST HAVEN'T
GOT ROUND TO
IT": This is normally
because the job doesn't
rate high enough on
your list of priorities. If

the roof leaks, no matter what you're doing or
how tight your finances, you get it fixed fast!
We can honestly say that the vast majority of
clients feel great after we have written their
Wills.
We often receive comments, such as "What a
relief" or "I've put it off for years, but, at last,
I can rest easy."
THE ALTERNATIVE
IF you die without a Will, all your money and
possessions (your Estate) will be distributed,
according to strict legal rules and regulations.
These rules are called the Laws of Intestacy.
In many cases, the Intestacy Laws distribute
an Estate in a way the deceased would not
have wanted, sometimes with disastrous
results.
Your circumstances will fall into one of the
following categories: Married, Cohabiting and
Single.
Many complexities can arise, and we shall
cover these in full detail (as well as dispelling
many unfounded, but popular, beliefs about
them) in the next issue of SENIORS TODAY.

Professionally
Written Wills
FIXED FEE PROMOTIONAL PRICE
valid only with this advert
until 31st December 2012

Proud to be Lawton
Recognised
as Care
an Excellent
Manor
Home Rated Home
Proud to be Recognised as an Excellent Rated Home

Set in two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Lawton Manor, like all Majesticare’s luxury care homes,
has always offered the best possible quality of life, and now with our Garden Rooms extension, we can offer
residents,
their
friends and
families even
more.Lawton Manor, like all Majesticare’s luxury care homes,
Setour
in two
acres of
beautifully
landscaped
grounds,
has always offered the best possible quality of life, and now with our Garden Rooms extension, we can offer
have a their
number
of rooms
available,
featuring the highest possible standards of luxury and the latest
ourWe
residents,
friends
and families
evenallmore.
technology, including full en-suite with shower, electric profiling beds, flat screen TV and extensive views of
countryside
Wethe
have
a numberorofgardens.
rooms available, all featuring the highest possible standards of luxury and the latest
technology, including full en-suite with shower, electric profiling beds, flat screen TV and extensive views of
residents
from experienced staff who provide professional personalised care and a whole range
the Our
countryside
orbenefit
gardens.
of services to enhance their lives. There is no better way to get a feel for the luxury and attention to detail we
offer
at Lawton
Manor
than
to come forstaff
a visit.
Our
residents
benefit
from
experienced
who provide professional personalised care and a whole range
of services to enhance their lives. There is no better way to get a feel for the luxury and attention to detail we
At at
Lawton
Manor
wethan
offer:
offer
Lawton
Manor
to come for a visit.

•

24 Hour Nursing Care

•

At Lawton Manor we offer:

•
•

•

Respite & Convalescent Care
24 Hour Nursing Care

•

Respite & Convalescent Care

•

•

Day Care

•

Palliative Care
Day Care

•

Palliative Care

•

•

Long & Short Term Care

Specialist Care
Long & Short Term Care
Specialist Care

If you would like more information or have any questions about Lawton Manor and the
Majesticare way of life, please call our House Manager, Ann Ball, on 01270 844200
If you would like more information or have any questions about Lawton Manor and the
Address:way
Lawton
Manor,
Church
Lane,
Church
Lawton,
3DD
Majesticare
of life,
please
call our
House
Manager,
Ann Stoke-on-Trent
Ball, on 01270 ST7
844200
Email: lawtonmanor@majesticare.co.uk Website: www.majesticare. co.uk
Address: Lawton Manor, Church Lane, Church Lawton, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3DD
Email: lawtonmanor@majesticare.co.uk Website: www.majesticare. co.uk

Lawton Manor Care Home
Proud to be Recognised as an Excellent Rated Home

Set in two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Lawton Manor, like all Majesticare’s luxury care homes,
has always offered the best possible quality of life, and now with our Garden Rooms extension, we can offer
our residents, their friends and families even more.
We have a number of rooms available, all featuring the highest possible standards of luxury and the latest
technology, including full en-suite with shower, electric profiling beds, flat screen TV and extensive views of
the countryside or gardens.
Our residents benefit from experienced staff who provide professional personalised care and a whole range
of services to enhance their lives. There is no better way to get a feel for the luxury and attention to detail we
offer at Lawton Manor than to come for a visit.
At Lawton Manor we offer:

•

24 Hour Nursing Care

•

Day Care

•

Long & Short Term Care

•

Respite & Convalescent Care

•

Palliative Care

•

Specialist Care

If you would like more information or have any questions about Lawton Manor and the
Majesticare way of life, please call our Business Manager, Ann Ball, on 01270 844200
Address: Lawton Manor, Church Lane, Church Lawton, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3DD
Email: lawtonmanor@majesticare.co.uk Website: www.majesticare. co.uk

Create a home with that
unique, French style!!
WELCOME to The French Emporium,
where our aim is not only to sell all that
is French, but also to offer something a
little different and somewhat special. A
service where our passion can be used to
source the items you desire; those gems you
may only have seen in films or magazines,
or heard others talk about; the type of
furnishings, curios and collectables that
could turn your house into a dream home
with a Continental flair - a home with
that unique, French style.We have been
regular visitors to France over the past few
years, and had many requests to bring back
items which are typically French but not
readily available here in the UK, not just
furniture (in many styles: rustic, Henri
II, Louis XV/XVI, Art Deco, Napoleon,
Empire and so on), but also collectables,
memorabilia, stoves, in fact, anything that
is uniquely French. It was due to this
demand that 'The French Emporium' was
born.
We have items to complement every
room:
For the bedroom, we will have wardrobes/
armoires with wood/mirrored doors, solid

For the garden, in time for spring, we
shall have bistro tables and chairs, benches,
garden ornaments, wrought-iron planters,
vintage ploughs and fountains.

We have many unusual and unique items
on display, making The French Emporium
the ideal place to find a gift for the tricky
person who has everything.
We feel the businesses already on site
will complement The French Emporium
and vice versa. These include Country
Gallery (artist, Derek Shapiro's, studio
gallery), The Little White Cottage (ladies'
fashions), Masquerade Hair & Beauty
Salon, Nicholas Carroll Interiors (interior
design), Oriental Interiors, Pretty Old
Things (vintage, antiques & collectables),
Through the Looking Glass (giftware),
The Village Tea Room and Slater's
Country Inn (pub, hotel and wedding
venue).
The French Emporium is located on the
A51 only ten minutes from Bridgemere
Garden Centre and Trentham Gardens
at Slater's Village, Stone Road, Hill
Chorlton, Staffordshire ST5 5ED.

(and by popular demand) - their Yuletide
show, featuring a whole host of favourite
festive songs and
music, stretching
over 60 years.
Accompanying
himself on his
own keyboard
instrument, multitalented Jonathan
has performed in
Miami, Bermuda and
Marbella.

AS you would expect, Roy and
Sharon Potter have a veritable
feast of live entertainment
and culinary delights lined
up to celebrate 2012's festive
season at their famous
Cheshire venue!
Yes, The Wilbraham Arms at
Alsager is the place to visit on
Christmas Eve, which sees the
duo of Jonathan Kent and Roy
Manhattan (AKA pub landlord,
Roy) presenting - once again

His wealth of
experience within
showbusiness
includes not only
television and radio
appearances, but
also many years
as an entertainer,
playing on larger,
more sophisticated
cruise ships (NCL,
Costa and QE2).
Tickets cost just
£16.50 (including
a two-course,
Christmas hot
carvery buffet).
Moreover, you
can still book for a
spectacular night's
entertainment on
New Year's Eve,
starring Hamilton
Browne ('The UK's
Number One Tribute
to Lionel Richie')!
Hamilton will be
performing many
of the greatest hits
of Motown legend,
Richie, including
'Dancing On The
Ceiling', 'All Night
Long', 'Easy', 'Hello'
and 'Love Will Find
A Way'.
The ticket-price of
£38.50 includes
one of the Alsager
venue's fabulous

Sales Team 01782 204 392

Gala Buffets (featuring such feasting
favourites as suckling pig, hot 'roasts' and
king prawns).
BOOK NOW TO AVOID
DISAPPOINTMENT!

ENTERTAINER, Jonathan Kent,
sings and plays classics from
the ‘40s to contemporary songs.

Needless to say, Roy and Sharon offer
discerning diners offer terrific festive
menus, comprising superb culinary fare,
home-cooked and served within a warm,
welcoming atmosphere, complemented
by great-value pricing.
The Lunchtime Christmas Fayre Menu
(priced at £11.95 [2-course] and £14.95
(3-course], including complimentary
coffee & mince pie) offers five starters,
followed by a quintet of main courses,
after which you can plump for a trio of
desserts.
Their Evening Christmas Fayre menu
(2 courses for £16.95 & 3 courses for
£20.95) features a quartet of starters.
Afterwards, there's a choice of five
main courses: Traditional Roast
Turkey, Fillet of Sea Bream, Pork
Dijonnaise, Tenderloin of Prime
Cut Beef and Vegetarian Gateau,
followed by three desserts (Mars Bar
Cheesecake, with Mango Coullis;
Tiramisu, topped with Italian Chocolate
Shavings; and Traditional Christmas
Pudding, with Brandy Sauce) or the
Cheeseboard.
sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

Cheswardine Hall
Residential & Nursing Home
Family-owned-and-run
care home offers a warm
welcome
CHESWARDINE Hall is a
family-owned-and-run nursing and
residential home on the Shropshire
and Staffordshire border.
Established in 1985 by Stephen
and Anne Poole RN, Cheswardine
Hall specialises in the provision of
residential, nursing, convalescent and
respite care, within comfortable and
luxurious surroundings.
Dating back to 1875, the Hall has
been sympathetically restored to
provide the opulent surroundings that
one would expect of such a grand
building, whilst also providing the

Sales Team 01782 204 392

modern equipment necessary for
residents to enjoy their surroundings
to the full.
A complement of Registered Nurses
and Healthcare professionals ensures
that all residents benefit from the
security of 24/7 care, whilst also
enjoying a level of independence
and social interaction which is often
unavailable in their own home.
The activities schedule caters for all
tastes, whilst the latest addition of a
cinema screen has been welcomed by
all, as they enjoy cinematic classics in
full Dolby Surround Sound!
Not to be outdone by modern
technology, the kitchen team
(comprising two, fully-trained ChĂ¨fs)
ensures that residents benefit from
nutritional and healthy diets, including

December 2012

| 09

a choice of breakfast, lunch, evening
meal and supper, all of which are
prepared to an exceptionally high
standard.
The Laundry, Cleaning, Maintenance
and Gardening teams all work
together in ensuring that domestic
standards are consistently high, whilst,
with 60 acres of gardens, featuring
stunning views, scenery and wildlife,
Cheswardine Hall offers a location to
match its service provision.
We are extremely proud of our
heritage and welcome the opportunity
to invite you into our home.
For further information, or to
arrange a visit, please telephone
Anne or Dominic on (01630)
661316 or visit our website at www.
cheswardinehall.co.uk

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

10 | December 2012

Christmas
Ideas

So much to enjoy!!
THERE'S no lack of aural and visual
stimulation in these neighbouring

towns in South Cheshire and North
Staffordshire during the build-up to
2012's festive season.
For instance, Congleton Choral Society is
staging its ever-popular Annual Christmas
Concert, featuring carols for choir and
audience, at Congleton Town Hall on
Saturday, December 22nd, starting at
7.30pm.
Conducted by Christopher Cromar, this
musical event's lively programme includes
a selection of Christmas carols (some
well-known and some which may be new
to you).
With organ-accompaniment (courtesy
of Andrew Green), a selection of
atmospheric readings and plenty of carols
for the audience to join, this promises
to be a most joyful way to begin your
Yuletide celebrations!
Tickets (priced at £12 [standard], £10
[concessions] & £2 [under-16s]) are
available from Congleton Choral Society's
Ticket Secretary on (01260) 276975,
Congleton Tourist Information, Tel:
(01260) 271095, or online via its ticket
agency, Oxboffice.
The Venetian Gothic architecture of the
Town Hall dominates the skyline: the
building was erected (at a cost of £8,000)

Sales Team 01782 204 392

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

December 2012

to a design Mr. E.W. Godwin in 1864, and
opened to the public on July 11th, 1866.
Nearby Little Moreton Hall is a timberframed Tudor manor house, curled around
a scenic moat, which dates back 500
years.
This month, why not explore an
atmospheric taste of a Tudor Christmas
through decoration, entertainment and
storytelling by a paying a visit to the Hall
during the weekends of December 8/9th
and 15th/16th, between 11am and 4pm?
For further details, telephone 01260
272018 or visit the website: www.
nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall/
Over the border at Biddulph, sponsorship
is required to fund permanent premises
to house the collection of the town's
museum.

Sales Team 01782 204 392

"In return, all sponsors will get advertisingspace on the museum website, within
its premises and on all
brochures and leaflets,"
said local historian, Robert
Worrall.

connected 'compartments', designed
by creator, James Bateman, to display
specimens from his
worldwide plant-collection.

Interested readers should
contact Robert on (01782)
523855 or 07984-002953.
Alternatively, you can
obtain the address and
email by viewing the
website: http:/www.
biddulphmuseum.com
Located off Congleton
Road (A527), Biddulph
Grange Garden is one
of Britain's most exciting
and unusual venues,
comprising a series of

| 11

POPULAR venue,
Congleton Town Hall.

During Winter (once the
trees have shed their
leaves), you can still enjoy
the feel of Spring, with the
ever-green walk through
the pinetum.
In December, Biddulph
Grange is open from
11am to 3.30pm, and, in
addition, you can enjoy
'Breakfast with Santa' on
Saturdays 15th & 22nd
and Sundays 16th & 23rd
at 10am, with booking (on
01782 517999) essential.

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

12 | December 2012

TO ADVERTISE TEL: 01782204392

Sales Team 01782 204 392

SEASON’S GREETINGS
TO ALL
OUR CUSTOMERS

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

December 2012

| 13

Art Deco & The Midland Hotel

(by Richard Slater)

I SUPPOSE that the decorative
style known as Art Deco is rather
like 'Marmite', people either love it
or loathe it. Personally, I'm with the
former!
Quite different from its predecessor,
Art Nouveau, which so glorified the
naturalistic motif and sensual organic
curve, it became, possibly, the most
sexually-charged design-style in the
history of art. At the dawn of the 20th
century, Art Nouveau was simply the
'hottest property' around, and, as it
was perceived to emanate from France
(actually, its origins can be traced to
Britain in the 1870s), Edwardian Britain
found the movement irresistibly 'racy'!
By contrast, Art Deco, although
exhilarating, bold and the very definition
of glamorous sophistication, was far more
'hard-edged' and somehow 'cooly' smart.
The cataclysm of the 1914-18 War
separated the styles - defined the
difference - and left a more cynical
generation longing for change.
Art Deco seemed to be the visual
interpretation of a post-war 'brave
new world', freed from the 'old
sentimentalities'. An optimistic era of
equality, peace and prosperity, a world
of 'thrusting' white buildings with 'sharp',
uncluttered interiors.
Unfortunately, reality had different
ideas. The 1920s and '30s, rather than
'brave' were a nervous and apprehensive
'new world'. National power-shifts;
global economic chaos; social unrest;
strengthening communism; Nazism in
Germany; civil war in Spain and the rise
of fascism in Europe didn't exactly inspire
confidence. By 1939, with just twenty
summers gone since the conclusion of the
'war to end all wars', the world was at war
again and, by then, most of the certainties
had crumbled.
Art, however, exists to make us look
at the world anew, and Art Deco certainly
did that!
Building styled like the bridges of those
glamorous ocean liners; cinemas and
dance halls (experiencing their golden
age) copied Eygptian temples; bronze
figures of naked 'leggy ladies'; RenĂŠ
Lalique's glassware; the architecture
of Frank Lloyd Wright; furniture from
Paul Follot; Edgar Brandt's metalwork;
ceramics by Susie Cooper and Clarice
Cliff; the 'timeless shock' of Picasso.
Motorcars, planes and locomotives,
streamlined to 'distraction'; that Duchess
of Windsor 'look'; New York's burgeoning
skyline, echoing to the music of George
Gershwin, jazz and the words of F. Scott
Fitzgerald. Closer to home, 'warning' from

Sales Team 01782 204 392

George Orwell and 'wit'
from Noel Coward.
Such a celebration
of original art, touching
every area of life, would
not be seen again until
the 1960s.
When a style falls
out of fashion, as Art
Deco, inevitably, did,
its buildings generally
suffer most. Demolition
and neglect have taken
their toll, but in America,
Europe (particularly the South of France)
and the Far East, many celebrated
examples still exist.
In and around London, the Hoover
Building in Perivale; the interior of Eltham
Palace, Greenwich, and the BBC's
Broadcasting House, Langham Place,
are 'icons' of the movement. 'Seaside
sophistication' of the period doesn't come
better than the De La Warr Pavilion at
Bexhill-on-Sea and a building which
I visited recently, The Midland Hotel,
Morecambe.
Opened in 1933, it was designed by
fervent 'Deco' promoter, architect, Oliver
Hill, and occupies a prime position, with
views across Morecambe Bay to the
Lake District fells. A hotel of the same
name, demolished to make way for the
'new Midland', was quite a pleasant, but
totally conventional Victorian structure,
similar to many in Morecambe. All credit,
then, to the town's planning committee for
having the foresight to pass such a radical
building.
Their confidence was rewarded,
some of the '30s' leading artists became
involved with the project. Marion Dorn's
mosaics and floor-coverings and murals
by Eric and Tirzah Ravilious were
as outstanding as they were daringly
different.
Renowned sculptor, Eric Gill
(controversial examples of his work grace
the previously-mentioned BBC building),
created the seahorses above the main
entrance and a superb bas-relief of
Odysseus and Nausicaa inside.
Rather extraordinary stuff from a
north-west seaside resort in 1933, but
would the public take to it? Well, yes,
because, like all artistic movements
over the centuries, individual countries
tend to give them their own 'twist'. This
was not the exotic Art Deco conjured
up by exiled Russian countesses
being chauffeured through the CĂ´te
d'Azur in the back of Hispano-Suizas!

of nearby Blackpool's entertainment
heyday. However, post cards and photos
of the period show a very English world
of middle-class professionals and their
'marcel-waved' wives (straight out of
Agatha Christie central casting) arriving in
Daimlers and Rovers to take the sea-air.
Inevitably, an episode of Christie's
'Poirot', played by David Suchet, was
filmed at the hotel in 1990, but, by then,
it was in decline. It was a decline which
would continue, both in visitor-numbers
and structurally, but rescue was on the
way!
As the 21st century got underway,
Morecambe decided that it needed a
rejuvenation and The Midland was to be
the 'kick-start'. In 2005, the hotel closed,
received a massive ÂŁ7 million restoration
and reopened in 2008!
The building came to be known as
'Morecambe's White Hope' and, today, is
a unique 4-Star, 44-room accommodation.
You can enjoy afternoon tea or lunch in
the Rotunda Bar and admire the seaviews from The Conservatory Restaurant.
Special evening events are regularly
organised and it's a venue with a
difference for conferences and wedding
receptions.
A line from The Midland's publicity
material reads: "Choose this gem
of the North-West coastline for the
ultimate in elegance and escapism".
As the country's current economic
situation is something similar to
the year the hotel was built, a bit of
escapism wouldn't go amiss! If you
agree, telephone 01524 424000 or
for information about Morecambe in
general, contact 01524 582808 and visit
www.visitmorecambe.co.uk

The Midland certainly had glamour,
and played host to many stars of
stage and screen appearing as part
sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

14 | December 2012
SEASONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREETINGS
TO ALL
OUR CUSTOMERS

Merry
Christm
as

door & window locks/door chains

Sales Team 01782 204 392

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

December 2012

| 15

Christmas Ideas

Sales Team 01782 204 392

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

16 | December 2012

A guided tour of British
Yuletide
LAUDED by The Guardian as "the perfect
antidote to the corporate Christmas", the
Albion Band returns for its third New Vic visit
on Thursday, December 16th.
This will be an ideal way in which to
start 2010's festivities, as the folk band's
member take the audience on a guided
tour through the Yuletide customs of
Britain.
This seasonal mixture of carols, spoken
word, humorous readings and dance
features the combined talents of Simon
Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While
(Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward
II) and the Guv'nor himself, Ashley
Hutchings.
Tickets for the show
(which starts at 7.30pm)
are priced at £13.50,
£15.50 and £17 (with
concessions and under16s Go Free), and are
available from the New
Vic ox Office on (01782)
717962 or online at
www.newvictheatre.
org.uk

TO
ADVERTISE
TEL:
01782
204392
Sales Team 01782 204 392

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

December 2012

| 17

Willow
Veterinary Clinic

Age UK North Staffordshire celebrates New
Initiatives & Volunteer Achievements

The Willow Veterinary Clinic is a fully
equipped, recently extended practice with
all of the facilities and equipment needed
to provide a very high level of care for
dogs, cats and small pets.
Non corporate practice and extensive
surgical facilites.

Two staff members were amongst the ten more receiving Open College
Network accreditation (Level 1), after completing various, one-day
Health Awareness courses.

24-HOUR ON-SITE VETERINARY PROVISION
For registered clients
We offer 24-hour on-site care for registered clients.
This means that if your pet requires emergency
treatment outside normal working hours, they will be
seen at the practice, by our usual staff. Similarly, if your
animal needs hospitalisation overnight, it will be cared
for at the practice.
WeÂ now offer a collection and delivery service
for your pets -Â contact the surgery for details
SURGERY TIMES
Monday-Friday 9.15-10.15 and 1.00-2.00 Open Surgery
5.00-7.30 Appointments only
If you are unable to make these times, other
appointments can be made by prior arrangement.
Saturday 9.00-12.00 Open Surgery
also available at tunstall
Sunday: Emergencies only
01782 826738
www.willowveterinaryclinic.co.uk

Charity Chief Executive, Peter Bullock, said: "By sharing their learning,
our 24 newly-trained Health Information Mentors have already
encouraged over 700 older people in small lifestyle-changes towards
maximising their health and well-being."
Funded by Coalfields Regeneration Trust, this Ageing Well + age-group
through befriending, well-being, leisure/social activities, faith-based
residential or day-care settings.
With course-places still available to April, 2013, tutor, Jeanette Rogers,
welcomes enquiries from those keen to make a real difference to
older people's lives within their community (Details available on 01782
200739).
The AGM also celebrated the start-up of a lively Over 60's Men's Group
in Biddulph, meeting weekly at the Fire Station for socials and themed
discussions (e.g. gardening, photography, health etc.).
The kettle's always on - a warm welcome waits! (Details from Pam on
01782 511726).
The charity has launched a Newcastle Day Care Service for local older
people with physical disabilities/dementia.
With refreshments included and transport available, stimulating activity
sessions take place weekly. Some limited places remain available
(Details: 01782 286209).

Let's talk about anal glands!!
IT'S a common request and problem: repeated emptying of
those two, annoying scent glands, placed at twenty-to-four
(if you imagine your pet's anus is a clock-face).
The normal secretion from a blocked gland is a transparent,
dark-brown fluid, with a few coffee-grounds present, and has
a characteristic, pungent, musky odour. This changes when
the sac becomes contaminated with coliforms and anaerobic
bacteria, WRITES CLIVE CURRY.

The odour also changes, becoming stronger and more
noticeable. The volume of purulent material increases, and it
may be yellow-green and reddish-brown, with blood-staining
(it's thicker and opaque). The sac itself also changes, becoming
thicker-walled and less elastic. both in the neck of the gland and
its main body. The thickening and loss of elasticity means that
the normal passage of a stool no longer causes the gland to
empty.
Medical management, consisting of draining and flushing out,
plus antibiotics, will, usually, only provide temporary relief;
sooner or later the problem recurs. After several painful,
embarrassing, expensive and smelly visits to the vet, the client
often asks, what else can be done? I recommend that both
glands are removed at the same time. This is a surgical solution
to what has become a surgical problem.
The only complications which are likely to occur are with
longstanding cases, where chronic irritation has progressed
to anal sac carcinoma or there have been multiple episodes
of ruptured anal sac fistulas developing in the skin over the
glands, because the ducts were completely blocked. These
patients also need surgery; it's unfair to expect them to spend
the next ten years of their lives having their rear-end assaulted
and abscesses squeezed and lanced because no one is brave
enough to do what needs to be done.
So, there you have it: 'if thine eye offends thee, pluck it out'!
And stop mincing about, trying to apply medical solutions
to surgical problems; if your vet cannot, or will not, do it,
find one with some skill who can.
Sales Team 01782 204 392

sales.seniorstoday@googlemail.com

18 | December 2012

FUNERAL SERVICES
Advice and comfort during
your time of grieving
IT is an indubitable truth that the
healing process is something which
each and every person in the country
must experience at least once in their
life.
For, bereavement is, quite simply, one of
the great immutables in quotidian life.
However, it is equally true that, when
it impinges on our consciousness,
the overwhelming majority of us are
completely unprepared for the demands
which it makes upon us.
But, it is, of course, essential that we
are able to cope with the practical and
emotional demands encountered at this

Sales Team 01782 204 392

potentially-harrowing time.

most required.

Accordingly, when we lose a loved one
(be it a partner, relative or a very close
friend), it is imperative that we acquire
the support, help and care of a reputable,
well-established firm of funeral directors,
which possesses the requisite
experience of dealing with all
the arrangements and, at the
same time, providing optimum
advice at your time of personal
grief.

Grieving is, in truth, a healing process,
and, whilst our sense of loss will never
disappear entirely, it will diminish, as a
return to normalcy (in terms of working and
social life) reasserts itself.

The company's professional
standards ensure that
kindness, sympathy and
understanding combine to lift
the inexorable burden imposed
upon the bereaved as is
humanly possible, providing
help, comfort and support,
when it is